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Cool, creative and community-building, these private clubs are redefi ning the ways today’s industry leaders kick back and synergise

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
Cool, creative and community-building, these private clubs are redefi ning the ways today’s industry leaders kick back and synergise
 
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The bar at Straits Clan

STRAITS CLAN
Founded by the folks behind the Lo & Behold Group and Unlisted Collection, Straits Clan aims to build a community of “dreamers, go-getters and do-gooders,” the same way clan associations in Singapore’s early history did. Members get exclusive access to renowned festivals and conferences across topics like food, arts, technology and social change, not to mention intimate whiskey tasting sessions and karaoke battles—sure to appeal to a diverse range of interests. It houses three dining establishments, multiple bars, a gym and spa, and an events hall.
 
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Goh Loo Club’s traditional Chinese interiors

GOH LOO CLUB
This is probably one of the oldest clubs on the list. With Lim Boon Keng and Lee Kong Chian as founding members in 1905, it was originally a gathering place for Chinese entrepreneurs. Today, the club has undergone an extensive $3.8 million renovation whilst conserving much of its original structure. It aims to attract both the young and old who are dedicated to preserving Singapore’s heritage, Chinese culture and the local arts. Membership is capped at 250, featuring activities and events with food and beverage, lifestyle, arts and cultural partners.
 
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1880’s private dining room

1880
“It’s not about your bank account, or shelf of awards, but your character traits,” says Marc Nicholson, founder of 1880. The new members-only club at Robertson Quay aims to create a conducive hub for an eclectic mix of people to meet and mingle within a dual-function space, with a café that turns into a cocktail bar by night. The decor, by British designer Timothy Oulton, certainly reflects that eclecticism—interiors include antique teapots embedded into the side of the bar, and a 1,500kg crystal as a reception table.
 
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IN THE STUDIO WITH … GENTLE BONES AND MYRNE

"The homegrown DJ-singer-producer duo break down their new collaborative album, B4NGER PROJECT"

THE STORY We got bored with our own respective styles and came together to create music we could call our own. We treated this album as a diary to explore topics we were feeling at the time, such as love and loneliness. THE PROCESS We took about a year, writing about 30 odd demos before arriving at the final 10. We became really good friends in the process and it was through our conversations outside of work that really inspired the making of STRAITS CLAN Founded by the folks behind the Lo & Behold Group and Unlisted Collection, Straits Clan aims to build a community of “dreamers, go-getters and do-gooders,” the same way clan associations in Singapore’s early history did. Members get exclusive access to renowned festivals and conferences across topics like food, arts, technology and social change, not to mention intimate whiskey tasting sessions and karaoke battles—sure to appeal to a diverse range of interests. It houses three dining establishments, multiple bars, a gym and spa, and an events hall. the whole album. THE LISTENERS We want them to have a good time! There is a variety of music on the album and something for everyone. THE AUDIO TRIP If this album could transport us anywhere in the world, it’d be Tomorrowland in Belgium (MYRNE plays there in June)! THE JOURNEY We are very grateful for everything so far and our aim is to reach out to an audience that appreciates the music. We only hope to be able to continue to create.

BY DANA KOH AND KIMBERLY ONG. PHOTOGRAPHY: COLOSSAL PHOTOS; FACEBOOK; UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP